Overwatch 2 is well into its first beta, with a ton of new changes and reworks to existing heroes. Character balance is a tricky beast, and this first Overwatch 2 PVP beta patch set out to correct a lot of the issues that came with these new changes. Additionally, the new Overwatch 2 patch fixed a ton of different bugs, including one where the dastardly hamster Wrecking Ball could literally wreck your game. By which I mean crash it completely.
Some of these bug fixes help cure some game-breaking issues within the beta. It’s certainly a good thing that a hero can no longer single-handedly delete you from the game. Characters like Brigitte and Lucio also received some much needed help with this patch. It fixed an issue where Brigitte could not shield damage from above (a blessing to Pharah mains everywhere), and also fixed whatever was causing Lucio’s gun to jam and not reload. Doomfist, Roadhog, Soldier: 76, Symmetra, Hanzo, and Ana got some other, less noticeable bug fixes.
A balancing act
Meanwhile, many heroes got some buffs and nerfs depending on their current strength in the game’s meta. The newly released Sojourn got some mobility buffs, and her alt-fire will be easier to fire too. Meanwhile, her hitscan competitor Soldier: 76 saw some slight nerfs, with a weaker primary fire and a slower sprint. His Ultimate got an interesting change where it allows for critical hits if a shot would have been a critical hit outside of the ultimate.
The new Sombra got a movement speed nerf on her Stealth ability, while Roadhog received some help with a reworked Ultimate. Now, Whole Hog will function as a “Transform” ultimate, meaning you can use the Primary Fire to use the ultimate instead of channeling it. You can also use other abilities while using Whole Hog and stuns no longer cancel it. Winston, Wrecking Ball, Baptiste, Zenyatta, and Brigitte also received some minor buffs, while Zarya, Lucio, and Ana received some minor nerfs. You can read up on the full Overwatch 2 beta patch notes to see what exactly has changed.
